#243: 2021 Dash To The Draft (Niners/Dolphins Trade + OT class with Nick Kendell)

Sports Krunch w/DKROM

1. Before we get to this OT class, let’s discuss the earthquake that shook the NFL a few days ago. And that earthquake was a blockbuster trade in which the Dolphins traded the #3 overall pick in the draft to the 49ers for the 12th overall pick (which Miami subsequently traded to the Eagles), first-round picks in 2022 and 2023 (the former of which the Dolphins also traded to Philly), and a third-round pick in 2022. It is clear that Kyle Shanahan wants his long-term answer at QB, especially one on a rookie deal that will extend the Super Bowl window of this extremely talented 49ers roster. And it is all but certain that the first two picks in the draft will be Trevor Lawrence at #1 to the Jaguars and Zach Wilson at #2 to the Jets. This means that the 49ers will be choosing between Justin Fields and Trey Lance at #3. If you were Kyle Shanahan, which of those two QB’s would you select, and why?

2. Around this time last year, many people were saying that Penei Sewell would be the “can’t-miss” prospect in the 2021 class a la Chase Young in 2020. However, I’ve come across some that say that as freakishly talented as Sewell is, he is FAR from a sure thing and there were some rumors that have him falling outside the top-nine. What are your thoughts on Penei Sewell and why do you think some aren’t as high on him?

3. The OT prospect some have ranked above Penei Sewell is Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater. He’s a freak athlete who did a PHENOMENAL job against Chase Young in 2019. Another big reason to be bullish on him is that he can play ANY of the five offensive line positions. Many believe Slater is a much better fit at guard given his lack of length. However, our friend Jordan Reid at The Draft Network believes Slater must be tried out at tackle first and only be moved to guard if he proves he can’t survive on the outside. Do you agree or disagree with Jordan’s assessment?

4. A prospect in a pretty similar predicament as Rashawn Slater is Alijah Vera-Tucker out of USC. Like Slater, many view Vera-Tucker as a relatively safe prospect. He put two outstanding years of film in both at guard and this past year, at tackle. Although the consensus is that he is a much better fit inside, do you think there’s a place for him at tackle in the NFL?

5. Another OT prospect that you are rather high on personally is Virginia Tech’s Christian Darrisaw. You went as far to say that he should be considered as an option for the Broncos at #9 overall. And there are several reasons why that should be the case. One is his experience (he started all 34 games he played in college) and the other is his scheme versatility. But as we all know, the tape is the most important part of the equation. What on Christian Darrisaw’s tape make him worthy of a top-15 pick in this draft?

6. Eleven years after Russell Okung was the sixth overall pick, Oklahoma State will likely have another OT go in round one, Teven Jenkins. While Jenkins is regarded by many as the best finisher in this OT class, some say his below-average athleticism might force him inside to guard. Where is the best home for Teven Jenkins in the NFL?

7. Buy Or Sell

-Jalen Mayfield: Sell at tackle

-Samuel Cosmi: Buy

-Dillon Radunz: Buy

-Liam Eichenberg: Buy (top-50)

-Alex Leatherwood: Buy (top-50)

-James Hudson: Buy in round 3-4

-Walker Little: Buy (mid-day 2)

-Spencer Brown: Buy (round 3)